So, I guess "quality" just isn't as popular as it used to be, then?

Totally just messing with you.

The Monkees.

The Beegees.

Whitesnake.

'nuff said.

I can't believe I misse this thread the first time 'round. Some comments, starting with the most important first:
1.

Do you mix that in a blender with crushed ice or layer it like one of those fancy shooters?

2. Bethoven was called a long haired deliquent when he hit the scene. I think Peter has it right.

3. There are two things that happened in the early 50s that did lead to a special era in music though. First, black music, a vibrant, sexy, creative scene was introduced to white America at a time when the (white) music industry was as 'managed' and bland as it is today. Second, a whole generation of boomers started getting their teen allowance at a time when there was not much to spend it on (no i-Stuff © or designer clothes) other than a coke. Call it the dot-music age, but there was a LOT of money going into the industry and that led to a lot of artistic freedom. All the controlling execs were too busy shoveling money into their coffers to have time to manage their artists.

In-a-god-a-da-vida baby.

Great artists are great artists whether or not they're embraced by the general public. Success ruins more artists than anything, so I'm not sure we should bemoan them not being put on a pedestal. Which brings up another point. May I suggest that it's just music, that there's nothing sacred about any of it? If you're finding beautiful depth that sets your soul on fire, that's great. I suppose I'm looking for entertainment more than art. There's always overlap of the two, but when it comes down to it, I'll choose the stuff that entertains me. So maybe I'm part of the problem.

Yes.


Yes you are.

That’s the truth. Especially groups as egos get involved.

That’s one reason I have always, and always will enjoy AC/DC. Whether or not anyone likes their music, they have not let the “market” influence their sound.

There was a time I liked country (Hank JR, Johnny Cash, David Allen Coe, Don Williams era). If there is any genre that has been capitalized and destroyed by the market, it’s got to be country.

Are most definitely is open to individual interpretation. I fancy myself as someone who is open to new ideas and opinions and I enjoy art in general. I was recently wandering around San Francisco in the rain and decided to visit the museum of modern art to get out of the rain for a spell. I had a very difficult time appreciating the majority of “art” on display. I had to draw the line on what constitutes art at a display that was nothing more than three pieces of canvas hanging on the wall, painted white. But, some folks appeared to think it was “art” as they were just sitting there, intently staring at it as if they were trying to find the meaning of the work as if it was something profound.

Great discussion.

But, now I'm confused.

Which of these are the problem?

- great art isn't being made
- great entertainment isn't being made
- great art/entertainment isn't making it to the market
- great art/entertainment isn't popular

And - besides those of us who still prefer "our music" from earlier times, can you demonstrate that the human condition is any worse off as a result of the perceived creative valley?

I'm struck that there is a VERY large "market" now, thanks to teh interwebz. It is easier than ever to become conversant with more music of more styles. 30-40 years ago, I never would have encountered some of the artists that bring me joy now.

So, perhaps what we're talking about is lack of a critical mass (or public judgement) as to the excellence of particular artists or movements?

Dunno. Gonna go count ones and zeroes now.

I used to pick out which albums/artists I wanted to buy by judging what the album cover looked like.

No internet, no good music stores, artists not on the radio, etc.